Comparing Levonelle and ellaOne

Levonelle and ellaOne are both effective emergency contraceptives that can be used to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex. Both are effective and work in similar ways, but there are some differences between the two.

How do they work?

Both emergency contraception pills work mainly by preventing the ovaries from releasing the egg or by delaying ovulation until the egg will no longer be able to be fertilised by the sperm.

In addition, Levonelle and ellaOne prevent the sperm from fertilising any egg that may have already been released. If these methods were to fail, and an egg were released and fertilised, it would not be able to become attached to the womb thanks to a change in the thickness of the lining.

Basic information

Manufacturer

HRA

Bayer

Active ingredient

Ulipristal acetate 30mg

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg

Effectiveness

98% if taken on the first day

95% if taken on the first day

Can be taken

120 hours after unprotected sex

72 hours after unprotected sex

Number of tablets needed

1

1

Side effects

Nausea

Common

Common

Irregular bleeding

Uncommon

Common

Breast tenderness

Rare

Common

Headache

Common

Uncommon

Skin reactions

Uncommon

Rare

Diarrhoea

Uncommon

Uncommon

Dizziness

Common

Uncommon

Fatigue

Common

Common

Abdominal pain

Common

Common

Irregular periods

Uncommon

Uncommon

There are some side effects that are exclusive to ellaOne. These can include migraines, visual disturbances, nosebleeds, vaginal itching and muscle pain.

Which one should I take?

Levonelle and ellaOne are both effective in protecting women against pregnancy if they have had unprotected sex. However, there are a number of factors that may make one type of pill more appropriate for you.

Is there a reason to not take ellaOne or Levonelle?

There are some situations in which you will be unable to use emergency contraception of any kind. You will be unable to take either medication if you are already pregnant as it will not be effective but may cause problems during the pregnancy.